ACNPs - what's your background?

[RN-ing, BSN, MSN, NP]

Hi all, long-time lurker, first-time-in-a-long-time poster here. I'm considering applying to an AGACNP program for Fall 2017. I have five years of adult ICU experience, but I have been in occupational health/disease management for the past three years. I miss critical care and I'm ready to get back in it!

My question to any ACNPs out there: what was your nursing background prior to getting your master's? I'm feeling a little insecure about mine since I've been out of it full-time for three years. I do occasionally pick up a 12-hour shift on the ICU for extra cash and to keep up my skills.

Thanks to all!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I had 10 years of RN experience when I started my program in a variety of settings mainly Medicine Step-down, Neuro and Surgical ICU then ED. I think you'll be fine. My program was about 60% ICU nurses and 40% ED nurses.

[rnkaytee]

16 years of Level III NICU (never had to do adults thank goodness!)

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I'm a third year AGACNP student. I've been a nurse for 25 years, 15 of that in critical care. I last worked in the cardiac ICU recovering open-hearts 2.5 years ago and have been working in informatics since then. I'm itching to be clinical again and looking forward to my clinical placements in January. If you have the experience there's no reason you can't do it. You'll be in a different role anyway. Go for it.

[RN-ing, BSN, MSN, NP]

Thanks for all your encouragement guys! I'm excited to apply...here's hoping I get accepted

[RN-ing, BSN, MSN, NP]

I worked 3 of my 5 years specializing cardiac/thoracic surgery recovery on my unit. That is what I miss the most. I'm hoping to focus on that as an ACNP someday.